Again the contention that formaldehyd in the nascent or active condition is less poisonous and irritating than in its ordinary form is contrary to what would be expected from the behavior of such compounds. If it were liberated, as claimed, in the “nascent” condition, it would be, for that very reason, not only more active but also more harmful. As a matter of fact, Formamint did have an irritant effect on the worker who carried out these investigations. When one tablet was taken each hour for twelve consecutive hours, marked irritation of the intestinal tract resulted. There was almost sufficient nausea to cause vomiting and uneasiness in the alimentary canal following the experiment. When the twenty-four tablets were taken the results were similar but more pronounced. This is decidedly in contradiction to the assertions of the manufacturers. Otto Seifert,[26] moreover, cites the following: “By Effects: Only a few patients complain of an unpleasant sharp taste, burning of the tongue (Seifert, Sklarek). Among the general symptoms observed are urticaria-like exanthems (Glaser, Roters), which are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, headache, insomnia and vertigo, burning and irritability especially in the larynx (Meissner); phenomena of poisoning (Geissler); gastric disturbances (Engelmann); renal irritation (Steinhard); unsuited for diabetics (Voit).” [26] Seifert, Otto: Die Nebenwirkungen der modernen Arzneimittel, 1915. The contention that Formamint, when mixed directly with mediums and left in contact with bacteria, will kill the organisms was corroborated. Thus the statements and pictures in the booklet, “The Gospel of Prevention,” which is enclosed with each bottle of Formamint, showing the inhibition of growth of air bacteria on plates containing Formamint are no doubt true and authentic. Finally, the claim that Formamint is an almost perfect throat disinfectant was by no means confirmed, as a glance at the tables will show. One hour after it is taken, even when a tablet was used each half hour for twelve hours, the number of bacteria in the throat was practically the same as when Formamint was not used. Even ten minutes after taking a tablet the number of bacteria in the throat was never greatly reduced, as is maintained by the manufacturers. HAS NO SELECTIVE ACTION Formamint exerts no selective action in killing off the very delicate organisms which are more apt to be pathogenic. When the comparative counts were made on blood agar which would favor the growth of the delicate parasitic organisms, no reduction whatever was shown by the use of Formamint. The number of streptococci was found to be the same, within limits of experimental error, ten minutes after taking a tablet as it was before the tablet was taken.